An Arizona high school teacher and coach who admitted to filming sexual interactions with students on campus has been arrested.
Eric Curtis Chapman, aged 43, was taken into custody following an investigation on March 25 that uncovered the transmission of naked images to an underage individual, as per documents referenced by ABC15.
Chapman, a teacher and head baseball coach at Cortez High School, has since been relieved of his duties.
Fox 10 reported that Chapman was detained on April 10.
Chapman confessed after being informed of his Miranda rights, revealing his use of social media to share explicit content recorded within his high school premises, including classrooms, the coach locker room, and his personal vehicle. He disclosed the identities of two present juvenile male students and one former student, now of legal age.
Chapman claimed he met all three alleged victims through an adult dating site.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office disclosed that two of the victims are currently enrolled at Cortez High School, while the third victim attends a different educational institution.
Court records also state that Chapman admitted to downloading hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, according to ABC15.
Chapman was arrested and is being held on a $250,000 cash bond. He faces multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Glendale Union High School District released the following statement to parents, as reported by ABC15:
“We are writing to inform you that Cortez High School administration was notified by the Phoenix Police Department that one of our teachers was arrested on charges related to crimes against children.
Upon learning of the allegations, school and district administration took immediate action. The teacher has been relieved of all duties. The Glendale Union High School District takes these matters seriously and works closely with law enforcement to support their investigations and ensure student safety.
As this is an active police investigation, we are unable to share further details. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.”
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Eric Curtis Chapman/MCSO]
